11 Things Never To Say To A Man You Love

The operative word being never.  I read this in a women's magazine.  I'm guilty of nos. 3 and 11. Haha! A couple of years ago, I tried no. 9 and he totally ignored me.

1.  I can't wait to see what you're doing for my birthday.

2.  Are you...crying?

3.  If we leave right now, we'll have time to stop by Bed, Bath & Beyond.

4.  Do you need help lighting the grill?

5.  I'm putting this whole conversation on my blog.

6.  You had so much hair back then!

7.  I don't care how big and drunk he is, he shouldn't be talking through the movie. I'm going to say something.

8.  Actually, it doesn't happen to every guy.

9.  We're vegetarians now.

10. My dad can fix that; you should call him.

11. You know why.

Source: Redbook

Nook Color

My new awesome book...

Only it's a Nook!

I love how my Nook cover actually looks like a real book cover.  It's made of leather and has the names of famous writers and poets written all over it.

For about a hundred dollars more than the original Nook, I think the Nook Color is worth it.  It's light, easy to navigate, has a lot of features that make it easy for the reader to peruse books and magazines. Oh I love the fact that it was made to accomodate the glossies!  Look how awesome the colors are!

An ad page in Reader's Digest

National Geographic

Because of the high specs, the battery life is just eight hours compared to the original Nook's ten days and Kindle's thirty days.  I also enjoy the free trial feature which gives the reader fourteen days to try out a magazine.  Monthly subscriptions for magazines are a lot cheaper and the books come in cheap too.  The Nook uses the Android program and makes web browsing a breeze.  It also has a slot for a micro sd for additional memroy. Best of all, I can play this game that follows me whichever gadget I use.

Angry Birds for Nook

new toy

Three days ago, my husband and I had our regular visit to Barnes and Noble. I usually attack the clearance section first, followed by the new releases, and the magazine section last. If you dont remind me of the time, I could go on for hours in this store. All the time I was keeping busy, my husband was stuck by the entrance where the Nook counter is checking the sample product. Well to cut it short, we left the bookstore with me grinning from ear to ear giddy with excitement and anticipation as I hold my new Nook Color. Three words: I am obsessed. I had no idea he's been thinking of getting me one. One small gesture that made my heart flutter. I will write a post about the Nook once I've calmed down.

Venice Canals

You can find the canals just a few blocks away from Venice Beach.  The canals were originally built by Abbot Kinney.  They were modeled after the famous Venice Canal in Italy. 

The houses here are beautiful.  They all have their own docks and most have kayaks parked along the canal.

Many tourists walk along the sidewalks and on the bridges to look at the houses. 

The houses vary in size and most of them are two-storey houses.  As for real estate, houses here start at $2,000.000.00 making it an upscale neighborhood.  A lot of movies and TV shows were also shot here like Little Rascals, Hollywood Homicide and Valentine's Day to name a few.  I'm not really sure but this house kind of looks like Ashton Kutcher's house in Valentine's Day.

Walking along the sidewalks and admiring the quaint houses is a very enjoyable experience.  To make it even cooler, you can hang out in one of the cafes and restaurants along Abbot Kinney Boulevard.  My favorite cafe is Jin Patisserie.  The treats they offer are so delectable.  They make THE best french macarons in California. 

The cafe has an outdoor garden where patrons can enjoy the tasty food and awesome Cali weather.  And if you get lucky, you might just see a Hollywood star walking by!  On our last visit to Jin, Marisa Tomei walked by as we  were getting off the car.  Talk about star struck. Haha!  For a split second, my sister and I thought of pulling a paparazzi move but eventually chickened out.  Maybe next time:-)

Venice Beach

Have you ever been to this vibrant place?

This is Venice Beach in Venice, CA.  Many years ago, local artists and poets made this place as their hang out and eventually for some, their home.  I heard this is where Jim Morrison created The Doors.  Unlike Malibu and Santa Monica, I find Venice Beach unpretentious.  What you see is what you get.  Everything here seems to convey an artistic history.  Other people find it a bit dodgy and cluttered and I can see why it gives that impression. Here in Venice Beach is where you can find medical marijuana easily.  Let me correct that, medical marijuana finds you here.  I think almost all the stores here offer that.

To me though, the vibe that this place generates is simply electric.

Not to be missed are the famous Venice Art Walls.  Not all artists can participate here.

Even the trash cans are artfully decorated!

Stylish and modern houses and apartments can also be found next to the boardwalk.  Some of the Hollywood stars known to have lived here are Julia Roberts, Kate Beckinsale, Jim Morrison, Nicolas Cage, and Robert Downey Jr.  Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson are also known to have their respective apartments in Venice. 

Venice Beach is also known to be the home of Muscle Beach where Arnold Schwarzenegger first started his body building career.

Skateboarders dominate much of the boardwalk. Well, Venice Beach is somehow synonymous to skateboarding.  This particular man though caught my attention.

I was very curious as to what role he plays in Venice Beach so I Googled him. Lo and behold he's in Wikipedia!  How cool is that?!

There are also a lot of historical cafes and bars in Venice Beach. But if you want to avoid the eccentric crowd, this restaurant is just off the main street.

Just a few blocks away from the beach is the famous Venice Canal.  But it's way past my bed time so that will be in my next post.  Have a great weekend wherever you are!

11 years

We've been 'special friends' for eleven years now.  You are an answered prayer.  I'm overjoyed that not so long ago, we decided to become more than friends.  I love you more each day.

Novena for Motherhood

Most Blessed Trinity, I, Your child, thank You for all the gifts and privileges which You granted to St. Gerard, especially for those virtues with which You adorned him on earth and the glory which You now impart to him in heaven. Accomplish Your work, Oh Lord, so that Your kingdom may come about on earth. Through his merits, in union with those of Jesus and Mary, grant me the grace for which I ask...

(intention)

And you, my powerful intercessor, St. Gerard, always so ready to help those who have recourse to you, pray for me. Come before the throne of Divine Mercy and do not leave without being heard. To you I confide this important and urgent affair...

(intention)

Graciously take my cause in hand and do not let me end this novena without having experienced in some way the effects of your intercession. Amen.